Nov. 14 2011
I love to explore. I love to try new things.
But this time, I think I made a big mistake.
It’s 5 am and I’m squished in back of a local bus packed like a sardine in a can. There are about 50 locals and 5 European backpackers snoring left and right. A baby crying, people coughing, sneezing, and cell phones ringing throughout the night. I’m stuck far in the back wondering what to do.
It all started yesterday evening back in Vienteine when I boarded an old beat up bus for a 24 hour journey back to Hanoi where I’m trying to make my connecting flight back to Japan. I got to the central bus station just after 5 pm. Bought some water and a sandwich, then boarded the so called “Bus to Hell.” the driver pointed me to the far back of the bus. It was tight getting back there as I bumped a lot of people. I take my seat, I get set up, and the bus finally leaves.
After an hour, we make a toilet stop. I think I’d better go now so I make my way off the bus. I get off and see nothing around. What? Then I see 2 old ladies squatting right in front of me and 8-10 men pissing all around. I guess this is the toilet so i go off to the side. I hear the horn, then I run back to the bus and get in just as the door closes. As we drove away, I was wondering if we left someone behind?
An hour later, we stop again for a break at a decent toilet. It was there I bought a large Beerlao beer and sucked it up. Big mistake! I had to pee all night and trapped in the back of this bus with no way out.
My nightmare has only begun as we’re parked here at the Laos-Vietman border waiting for it to open. I hope I can get out soon before I pee in my pants.
